Golf: Tight, comfortable wins in qualifiers

Liam McFarlane shot 38 in the 2015 Junior Tiger Championships Bay of Plenty regional qualifier at Otumoetai to come second in his age group. Photo / George Novak

The contrast in the final leader boards at the 2015 Junior Tiger Championships Bay of Plenty regional qualifier at Otumoetai Golf Club could not have been greater.

The girls' 12-14 division was won by Olivia Choo who shot a 41 - nine shots ahead of second-placed Alessia Tindall, who pipped third-placed Caitlin Maurice by a single shot on Sunday.

It was tighter in the boys' 12-14 division, James Tauariki carding a 37, just one ahead of Liam McFarlane. Third was Anthony Ouellett on 45.

The girls' 11 and under winner was Sophia Logan on 61 and the boys' 11 and under winner Nivethan Kanthan, on 37.

This year's event attracted 50 young golfers, a little down on last year, said Bay of Plenty Golf coachforce officer Mike Campbell.

"Junior Tiger is also about getting youngsters involved in golf, so it was good to see some new faces out there," he said. "There was some good golf out there today.

"James is a good player for the future and Olivia is a very good player."

Choo's talent has already been identified and she is part of the Danny Lee Academy.

"Nivethan's score of 37 is a very good score - especially for a 10-year-old," said Campbell.

The four winners will compete in the national final at Manawatu Golf Club in April. The Junior Tiger initiative will find the players to represent New Zealand at the World Junior Golf Championships, with the winners also going to Disneyland.

It provides a great opportunity for youngsters 14 and under who have been learning and playing throughout summer to put their skills to the test and also provides an opportunity for those new to the game to play in a tournament.

Results:

Boys' 12-14: 1, James Tauariki (37), 2, Liam McFarlane (38), 3, Anthony Ouellett (45), 4, Lucas Lowe (47 on countback).

Girls' 12-14: 1, Olivia Choo (41), 2, Alessia Tindall (50), 3, Caitlin Maurice (51), 4, Candis Brunning (53).

Boys' 11 and under: 1, Nivethan Kanthan (37), 2, Aaron Gibbs (41), 3, Olly Monkton (42), 4, Dante Gardiner (43).

Girls' 11 and under: 1, Sophie Logan (61), 2, Jaylevhan Mason-Matekuare (70), 3, Baylee Murray (74), 4, Briony Weedon (76).